To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Coffyn, 6 January 1786

From Francis Coffyn

Dunkerque, 6 Jan. 1786. Received TJ’s invitation to dine just before he left Paris and sent a note by a servant explaining that he could not postpone his departure because his mother-in-law was ill; arrived home the day before her death. Had called on TJ, with Mr. Barclay, to express his gratitude for the civilities shown him; will strive to merit TJ’s protection by his zeal in attending to all matters concerning the welfare of the United States.

RC (MHi); 2 p.; endorsed. Recorded in SJL as received 10 Jan. 1786.

Francis Coffyn was an American who had been appointed by Benjamin Franklin to serve as consul at Dunkerque (TJ to John Jay, 14 Nov. 1788). TJ’s invitation and Coffyn’s note have not been found.

More between these correspondents

The National Historical Publications and
Records Commission (NHPRC) is part of the National
Archives. Through its grants program, the NHPRC supports a wide range of activities to
preserve, publish, and encourage the use of documentary sources, relating to the history of
the United States, and research and development projects to bring historical records to the
public.

Founders Online is an official website
of the U.S. government, administered by the
National Archives and Records Administration
through the NHPRC, in partnership with the
University of Virginia Press,
which is hosting this website.